Kirsten



Hi I'm Kirsten. I currently live in Palmerston North in NZ.

I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Computer Graphic Design, well, most of the degree really if I ever go back to finish a couple of papers!! Ha Ha.

I love anything involving water and until I embarked on study at Otago Uni, I was a competitive tenpin bowler who was ranked quite well amongst my peers - I might add. Now that I have a career and can afford it, I have started it up again.

I'm a big of a geek really - interested in all things design, art and gadget related. But in saying that, I think I'm a pretty cool geek.

My favourite Warehouse product would have to be the Harrison and Lane range. I love them, good solid products that not only look great, but last too.

So come on, read my blog. Find out what life at The Warehouse for a Store Manager Development Programme participant is really like. Learn about my challenges as well as the awesome friendships and opportunities I get along the way.

Ask me questions, I'm not shy.
November 15

I did it!

A couple of years ago, I said I wanted to be a Store Manager by the time I was 30, and well, almost 5 months out from turning 30, I became a Store Manager! Thus ends a journey of 3 (and a bit) years, and begins my journey of becoming a great Store Manager.

As of October 21st, I’ve been the Store Manager of our Levin store.  For those who don’t know, Levin is a small township 30mins south of Palmerston North. Going from Wanganui to Levin is a big change for me.  Not only is it a complete new role, but a smaller store and new team. I have to say though; the team have been nothing but fantastic and fully supportive of me as I settle into my new role.

As I reflect back over 3 years ago, I truly believe I am now a completely different person.  When I went through the interview process and then the assessment centre (which I still maintain as being one of the most amazing experiences to be a part of), someone saw something in me and believed I could make it through the SMDP Programme and become a Store Manager. That someone has actually been a number of people who have supported me, coached me, given me feedback, and allowed for opportunities as I have progressed. To be where I am now, I could say is an absolute miracle, but we all know, it was a lot of hard work, tears, and even blood. Yes, I once sliced my thumb open cooking a BBQ for the team at Christmas time.

So the real challenge is just beginning, with the first part being Christmas sign off which went fantastically and our store achieved GOLD!  I’ve been really impressed with my team and our store in the last couple of weeks and am looking forward to spending the next little while with them all.

So I’ll keep adding to this blog for a while longer to give an insight into what it’s like to be a new Store Manager. Coming through the SMDP Programme now is Jamie Hobby.  While I’ll contribute to what it’s like after making it through the Programme, Jamie will be keeping you up to date with what it’s currently like experiencing the SMDP Programme and sharing different learning’s and achievements.